Defining a “real” relationship
A “real” or authentic relationship is normally one in which people feel supported and able to shine as their true selves. They appreciate each other and value what the other brings to the table. It may be all of these things and more. Real relationships are strong, healthy, and honest. People in such relationships respect and support each other no matter what life throws at them. How they treat each other plays a huge part in the degree of relationship satisfaction.
This definition sets a high bar. Not many relationships meet the above definition, irrespective of where people met. It’s certainly something to aspire to, and we do so relentlessly, so meeting them on vacation shouldn’t make a difference.
What it depends on
The question “Is it possible?” begs a series of others. Are you looking for an authentic relationship, or do you just want to have fun and see how things go? Do you know what the other person wants? Was the vacation filled with fascinating activities, great food, sun, and sand, or beautiful mountain views with energizing hikes? Might you be attributing the excitement to the new relationship?
How far away do you live from each other? Are you open to a long-distance relationship? The criterion for an LDR is being 125 miles apart on average, according to statistics. More than 90% of people living in Europe have been in an LDR, and a tenth of married couples started out in an LDR. 75% of engaged couples have been in an LDR before marriage.
The average LDR ends in just over four months, and the general success rate of these relationships is 58%. Over half (55%) of people in LDRs are worried about their partner meeting someone else. According to 2025 estimates, 14 million US adults are in an LDR, and 3.37 million people globally are in a long-distance marriage. Even marriage can survive an LDR.
What does the lull in communication mean?
Long-distance relationships are not without their challenges. It’s been a while since the vacation, and you are beginning to feel a strain, a lull in communication. Relationships are about spending time together in person, so the lull may be the result of not having that, and it’s not always possible to capture. If you find yourselves on an app not knowing what to talk about, don’t let anxiety get the better of you. The outcome of the relationship may depend on whether you’re willing to move to them or they can move to you. It also depends on how long you’ve known each other. A few months isn’t enough time to decide, especially as you’ve primarily been getting to know each other online.
Traveling to meet them can be expensive, with visa issues, a lot of planning, and coordinating time off so you can travel together, among other hassles.
Final thoughts
There can be a connection between where you meet someone and the potential for a meaningful relationship, but it’s more about the context and mindset than the location itself. If it was an active holiday, there are better prospects of building a real relationship. There is rising awareness of the fact that meeting someone in an environment aligned with your values or lifestyle, like a volunteer event, professional setting, or shared hobby, can increase compatibility because you’re already starting with common ground.
These settings tend to foster more natural, sustained interaction than places built around fleeting connections. That said, real relationships can form anywhere if both people are emotionally available, genuinely curious about each other, and willing to put in the effort. The why behind the meeting often matters more than the where.
